The design and application of aerial bundled conductors for the UK low voltage distribution system

The LV overhead system in the UK has more or less now reached saturation with only a minimal amount of new lines being constructed. However, this system which was largely constructed between 1930 and 1960 is now of an age where reconstruction is becoming necessary and this will be the major work for the next few decades. With greater reliance on electricity, rural customers are coming to expect a more reliable supply than has been given in the past and this can be given more easily and economically by the use of LV ABC (aerial bundled conductors) and the intrinsic safety of the system is an additional bonus. Although initially the higher material costs for ABC have been a factor in discouraging greater use of this system, these costs are reducing and given greater use should show even greater savings. Consequently it is the view of the authors that the use of LV ABC is the logical choice for replacing the existing LV overhead system, but to obtain its full economic advantage it is necessary to adopt this to the exclusion of any other LV overhead systems.<>